Shillong, March 27: The inaugural Shillong International Film Festival gathered momentum on its second day as packed halls of students and emerging filmmakers transformed the event into a hands-on learning space, with masterclasses, screenings, and open discussions blurring the line between classroom and cinema.
Filmmaker Arnab Gayan led a high-energy masterclass on cinematography that drew strong participation from aspiring filmmakers across Shillong. Moving beyond theory, Gayan broke down the craft of visual storytelling—covering framing, shot composition, and practical shooting techniques for both music videos and feature films—while weaving in lessons from his own work in the industry.
What stood out was the session’s interactive edge. Students engaged directly with Gayan, raising questions on storytelling approaches, visual language, and the realities of film production. The exchange turned into a candid conversation on creative discipline and the challenges of translating ideas to the screen.
“Every creative work must be rooted in a strong narrative,” Gayan said, urging participants to cultivate their storytelling instincts through constant reading and observation. He described filmmaking as a lifelong learning process shaped as much by lived experiences as by formal training.
Participants from institutions including St. Anthony’s College, Martin Luther Christian University, North Eastern Hill University, MIT, and English and Foreign Languages University were among those who actively took part, reflecting the growing interest in filmmaking among youth in the region.
Beyond the classroom-style sessions, the festival continued to showcase a diverse slate of films, offering audiences a window into storytelling from across Northeast India and beyond. Screenings included Our Home (Eikhoigi Yum) by Romi Meitei, Kni by Kiki Garod, Tang Shiteng Por by Cores Marwein, Ka Chithi by Simi Khongthiang, Nongshun by Kamki Diengdoh and Elizer Bareh, Kok Kok Kokoook by Maharshi Kashyap, Deepa Didi by Surya Balakrishnan, Chanchisoa by Elvachisa Ch Sangma and Dipankar Das, Jingshemphang by Tyrel Reuben Lyngdoh, and Agent of Happiness by Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbo.
Another key session of the day focused on the full filmmaking pipeline—from conceptualising a story to casting, coordinating with crew, and executing the final production. The discussion highlighted the collaborative nature of cinema, offering students a clearer understanding of the many moving parts behind a finished film.
Day 2 signalled that the festival is not just a showcase of films, but an emerging platform for nurturing the next generation of storytellers in the Northeast.
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